Msgr. Francis Walter Montondon

September 13, 1931 - December 9, 2012

Col. Msgr. Francis Walter Montondon, 81, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at Rose House in Port Arthur. He was born on September 13, 1931 to C.J. Montondon and Mary Alice Breaux Montondon in Port Arthur, Texas. Walter proudly served as a Chaplain in the United States Army for over 23 years of active duty and retired as a Colonel. Walter was a Catholic priest and served his last 4 years of active duty at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. He was in Vietnam and served two tours in Germany. He was ordained on May 31, 1957 by Bishop W. J. Nold of The Galveston-Houston Diocese and served in the Galveston-Houston diocese from 1957-1966. From 1966-2012 he served under the Beaumont diocese, including St. Charles and St. James Catholic Church before becoming an Army Chaplain. He was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XV1 in September, 2009. Walter was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Dick Dowling Assembly of the Fourth Degree, where he served as Faithful Friar for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his two brothers, James Montondon and wife Delores of Bridge City, Texas and Rusty Montondon and wife Nancy of Port Arthur, Texas with numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, December 13, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Rosary to be prayed at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, December 14, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church with Most Rev. Curtis Guillory serving as main celebrant along with fellow priests from the Diocese of Beaumont. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. A special thanks to Dr. Townsend at Christus Hospital - St. Mary, to Vivian, Rosie, Daniel, Dana and to the staff at Rose House and Harbor Hospice. In Lieu of Flowers, please make memorial contributions to Catholic Charities of The Diocese of Beaumont or to the Wounded Warrior Project.